Fax: (206) 350-4208
Private Tours
| I'm a an experienced/inexperienced paddler, is this trip appropriate? | |
| Halong
Bay is great for beginners, the hundreds of limestone peaks forming a
calming barrier to the churning South China Sea. Our guides provide and introduction
to paddling and safety skills before we are on the water. A small group
size also means more quality time with your guide who will help you improve
your skills. There are also
numerous beach coves to haul your kayak up onto and relax. For advanced
paddlers we have imported Seaward and Phoenix kayaks, miles of open water,
caves
and winding routes to keep you busy. |
|
| What are the boats like? | |
Travel to Halong Bay was only recently permitted by administrative authority and there are still many off-limits areas.
Tourism is new to the bay, government-controlled, and the boats
do not compare to the sleek fiberglass yachts you'll find elsewhere, even in
nearby
Thailand
where
private operators
can import such boats which is not yet permitted in Vietnam. The wooden boats or cruisers (not actually junks) are newly-built and made specific for overnighting on
the bay.
The quality fo boats on Halong varies dramitically, and we use only the best quality ones (such as the Valentine on the right). Read more about the boats we use here [Halong Bay Boats]. |
|
| Quality and safety? | |
In an environment where there is an extreme variance in quality, we operate the best trips on the bay. We lease the finest boats on the bay, maintain a small group size, hire licensed experienced guides with imported kayaks, not inflatable or hard plastic kayaks. Our onboard chef also prepares delicious, local and seafood dishes from fresh, local catch.
We are the only tour company that includes International SOS emergency medical and evacuation coverage with your tour. SOS operates an emergency clinic in Hanoi and also arranges for emergency air evacuation from Vietnam if necessary. |
|
| What is the weather like? | |
| It varies
by time of year. Please see our weather
page. However, it is never really
too cold to kayak the bay and the water stays a comfortable temperature. |
|
| What is the schedule? | |
Have a look at our three-day itinerary. This is a rough guide — if you on are a private tour or in a small group we can modify the itinerary to you desires. Departure from your hotel in Hanoi is typically between 8 and 9:00 AM from Hanoi and returning the second or third day by afternoon.
On the bay, we typically kayak mornings, break for lunch and then
kayak until dusk followed by dinner featuring freshly caught seafood. However,
you are always free to explore
the
beaches, islands or stay
onboard
to
relax. |
|
| What is provided and what do I need to bring with me? | |
| We
provide all kayaking, safety, camping and dining equipment. Please read
our packing
list for recommended items to bring. |
|
| How many people are on your trips? | |
| All of our trips have a maximum of eight
travelers, but there are often less. We do recommend securing a private boat for families and small groups of friends. |
|
| What type of people are on your trips? | |
| Our
groups are a mix of people from around the world, usually friends, families
and couples. We frequently have honeymooners and our trips are also available for private bookings. |
|
| I still have more questions | |
If
you would like to contact us directly, you may e-mail us.
Or, please contact us by phone at: . If you are already
in Vietnam,
please stop by one of our offices which are
conveniently located. |
In 1992 VeloAsia pioneered the first cycling, kayak, and trekking adventures in Vietnam. Since then, we've organized original and unique trips throughout the region that are, as many of our past travelers have said, the
adventures of a lifetime. Contact us to arrange a private trip for your friends, family or colleagues — over 90% of our Vietnam bicycle tours are private, custom ones organized throughout the country for diverse interests, on and off the bike.
